Pool Closing

As summer comes to an end and the warm weather disappears swimming pool owners typically have no other choice but to perform a swimming pool closing. Although the change of season is nice, closing your swimming pool for the summer may leave you with some feelings of sadness and ultimately some questions about how and when to close your swimming pool.

Pool Closing

Performing a proper swimming pool closing is crucial to making sure your swimming pool survives, a cold and possibly snowy winter. Although some swimming pool owners may use a pool heater to delay their swimming pool closing typically, most pool owners start to close their swimming pools around Halloween. If you wait until just after Halloween you can throw an awesome Halloween pool party following our pool party tips!

Pool closing Time Frame

Generally speaking, most pool closings should be completed around October. Once day temperatures began to drop into the 60’s and night temperatures start to dip into the 40’s closing your pool will become necessary in order to protect it from the colder temperatures. Keep in mind closing your swimming pool too early can increase the risk of excess algae and bacteria growth, so timing your pool closing just right is crucial for proper winterization.

Balance Pool Chemicals Prior To Pool Closing

About a week before your pool closing, some customer opt to shock their swimming pool with either a non-chlorine shock or chlorine shock. High levels of chlorine tend to break down the winterizing chemicals and pool covers. So if you choose to shock your swimming pool it is highly recommended that you allow the chlorine level to return to normal before adding any winterizing chemicals or your swimming pool cover.

As you begin to winterize your swimming pool, it is imperative that your pools water chemistry is correctly balanced. Ensuring the proper pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cholorine levels is a very important step in closing your swimming pool. Pool closing chemicals can be added during this time to aid against excess algae growth.

Swimming Pool Closing Steps

Clean Pool

As you begin your pool closing, ensure your swimming pool has been cleaned thoroughly. Town and Country Pools recommends our clients skim, brush and vacuum their swimming pool to remove any excess debris from the swimming pool. By thoroughly cleaning your swimming pool prior to closing you are removing any excess dirt, grime or build up. By closing your pool properly, you are guaranteeing less dirt and grime build up over winter.

Reduce Water Level

At pool closing, water levels should be reduced. In order to prevent freezing of your swimming pool pipes it is recommended that the water level be drained approximately 1.5 feet below the skimmer holes. To gauge the correct water level for your swimming pool confirm the water level is below the return jets and lines. By lowering the water level below the return lines you are ensuring water drainage from them as well.

Remove Pool Accessories

As part of your pool closing, swimming pool owners should remove all pool accessories from their swimming pools. This includes, ladders, cleaners, wall fittings, and skimmer baskets. All pumps, filters, and heaters should be drained or blown out to prevent water freezing and cracking your equipment. Additionally, all timers and equipment should be set to off to avoid damage.

Inspect for Damage

As you perform your swimming pool closing, Town and Country Pools highly recommends visually inspecting your swimming pool for any cracks or damage. If any damage is noted it is best to repair or replace before closing your pool to prevent further damage from occurring.

Contact Town and Country Pools

Whether you choose to complete your own swimming pool closing or would like to hire Town and Country Pools, ensuring a properly closed swimming pool will prevent any undue damage from occurring and an easier pool opening come the warmer temperatures. Contact Town and Country Pools today to schedule your swimming pool closure.